Blues 2024

[frugby]

@Chris Oh, it could certainly happen. I just think it would be a bizarre move for JRK to make at this stage of his career. If he wants to be an AB, needs to be starting games in the next couple of years.

[Chris]

@frugby
JRK I know was also talking to the Highlanders but I heard was leaning towards the Crusaders.
not 100% were he will go.

[frugby]

@Chris Do you know if he talking to the Chiefs as well? They may need a FB if Stevenson leaves.

[Chris]

@frugby

I only heard the Crusaders and Highlanders.

[Duluth]

So who could come in?

Hodgman & Laulala
Probably need to recruit an experienced prop. There were rumours of one moving to Northland

Ahio maybe?

Tucker, Robinson & Plumtree
Edward Annandale has basically been confirmed

2 more loosies? Or a lock and a loosie? It depends on where they see Suafoa playing I guess

Che Clark is rumoured to be contracted

Pieta if we need another loosie?
Craig or Beehre if it's another lock? Or maybe an import like McWhannell who was being chased?

Barrett
Jock McKenzie seems likely. Has played for the Blues before and can play fullback too.
Cashmore a possibility?

RTS
Rumours of imports - Goodhue, Umaga-Jensens etc. I'd prefer a younger player from the region

Tangitau & JRK
Spencer at fullback? I guess that depends on 7's?
Keep room for an NPC bolter?

---

I'm sure I've forgotten some obvious names..

[george33]

@Duluth Finlay Brewis

[SBW1]

Are any of the Kiwi sides likely to poach some of the Kiwis turning out for some of the Aussie franchises, for next season? It has happened in the past.

[KiwiMurph]

@Duluth Leo Gordon or Essendon Tuitupou could be the young midfield option

[Stargazer]

@SBW1 You should first ask the question, whether any of them is off-contract. The next question is, are they worth poaching.

Already signed for next SR season by their current franchises are Ekuasi Vaiolini, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua, Chase Tiatia, Jack Debreczeni and Sefo Kautai.

I think that leaves Taleni Seu, Manasa Mataele and maybe Stacey Ili (not counting players like Charlie Gamble). I'd sign Ili in a heartbeat, but I'm wearing a black & white eye patch. :winking_face:

[george33]

@KiwiMurph Leo Gordan has big chance

[Tim]

Felix Kalapu is another playing for an Australian team (Force).

[Steven Harris]

@Tim If the info I have received is correct I will be curious to see how Brazilian prop Wilton Rebolo goes for Northland in the upcoming NPC , Rebolo who is 27 plays tight head , has a reputation as a destructive scrummager , he can also slip into hooker if required
Definitely an unknown quantity he did played for New York in the 2022 MLR keeping Kalolo Tuiloma on the bench through the finals
Was signed by the Western Force before the 2023 but never featured during the season

[Tim]

Development Player of the Year - Byron Smith
Community Player of the Year - Joshua Fusitu’a
Team Toa Player of the Year - Rob Rush
Mahi Man - Ricky Riccitelli
Keven Mealamu medal - Ash Draper
Back of the Year - Bryce Heem
Forward of the Year - Adrian Choat
Players Player of the Year - Mark Telea
Player of the Year - Mark Telea

[Tim]

Byron Smith was an NZ U19 and Blues U20 first five.

[Steven Harris]

@Tim thought Adrian Choat was very good , I’m a little biased though

[Bovidae]

@Steven-Harris said in Blues 2023:

Was signed by the Western Force before the 2023 but never featured during the season

Rebelo was a late injury replacement starter against the Chiefs (played 64 mins). I remember he conceded at least one scrum penalty.

[george33]

@Steven-Harris totally agree my blues player of year

[Nogusta]

@Chris said in Blues 2023:

@Tim

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Maybe heading to the Crusaders

Signed with the Landers

[Chris]

@Nogusta
Cheers was one or the other.

[Nogusta]

@Chris and I believe Plumtree may be joining his old man at the Sharks